Comics Guide for 5/6/15

I don't care how late this title is; it's always welcome when it gets here. I just hope the title of the current storyline, "Betty R.I.P.", is a misdirect. You can lose Moose and Midge and even Jughead, but without the Big 3 it ain't Archie!

This issue is particularly good, in that it riffs off various horror movies -- not zombie movies, mind you, but stuff like The Shining and The House on the Hill. So there's virtually no zombie stuff, but it's still really creepy. Plus, there's a lot more characterization and a big ending you won't see coming.

AFTERLIFE WITH ARCHIE #8

Publisher: ARCHIE COMICS

Script: ROBERT AGUIRRE-SACASA

Art: FRANCESCO FRANCAVILLA, JACK MORELLI

Cheerleader Variant Cover: ANDREW PEPOY, JASON MILLET

On Sale Date: 12/10

32-page, full color comic, $3.99 U.S., TEEN +

“Ghosts of Christmas Past” Contrary to popular belief, the current zombie outbreak is not the first time a shadow fell across Riverdale and its citizens. As the survivors hunker down in a hotel to wait out a snowstorm, Hiram Lodge and Mary Andrews relive the darkest chapter of their town’s history. Ten years ago, the adults of Riverdale struck a terrible bargain with the witches of Greendale, setting the stage for the present-day apocalypse.

I don't know what's special about this -- in fact, it seems to me that all stories leading up to Battleworld are an exercise in spinning wheels -- but it says "Special" in the title, so here you go.

ALL-NEW CAPTAIN AMERICA SPECIAL #1

Publisher: MARVEL COMICS

Writer: JEFFREY THOMAS LOVENESS

Art: ALEC MORGAN

Cover by JAMAL CAMPBELL

Connecting Cover by ADAM KUBERT

40 PGS / Rated T+ / $4.99

“PART 3 -- THE GRAND FINALE OF INHUMAN ERROR”!

• Red Raven has Spider-Man and the Inhumans right where he wants them!

• One bird turn deserves another, as the All-New Captain America answers the call to defend New York from the revenge-ready Red Raven!

It's amazing how much I've enjoyed this title. I think it's been my favorite Marvel since its debut. Whodathunkit?

ALL-NEW X-MEN VOL. 5: ONE DOWN (TPB)

Publisher: MARVEL COMICS

Written by BRIAN MICHAEL BENDIS

Penciled by DAVID MARQUEZ, STUART IMMONEN & SARA PICHELLI

Cover by STUART IMMONEN

152 PGS / Rated T / $19.99

Infinite pasts, infinite futures … infinite loss! The Beast is tortured by his decision to bring the original X-Men into the present, but can he repair the damage he’s done while the future Brotherhood of Evil Mutants is still gunning for the time-tossed teens? The young X-Men will need to rally to save themselves, but Jean Grey is … different. The Shi’ar trial has changed her. What does this mean for her future, for the past of the woman she’s meant to become, and for the rest of the X-Men? Timelines collide when the future Brotherhood exacts its final judgment on the All-New X-Men! Collecting ALL-NEW X-MEN #25-30.

I'm only running this for the homage-ness of Cover A.

AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #18

Publisher: MARVEL COMICS

Writer: CHRISTOS GAGE

Art/Cover: HUMBERTO RAMOS

Variant Cover by STACEY LEE

NYC Variant by TBA

32 PGS / Rated T / $3.99

• A huge chapter in AMAZING SPIDER-MAN history comes to a close!

• Peter’s choices as CEO of Parker Industries come home to roost!

I can't begin to list how many ways the description of this book makes me feel icky. I sure hope it plays as icky, and not as if this bestiality-cum-slavery-cum-rape scenario is somehow OK.

ANCIENT MAGUS BRIDE VOL 1 (GN)

Publisher: SEVEN SEAS ENTERTAINMENT LLC

Writer/Art/Cover: KORE YAMAZAKI

Mature / FC / $12.99

The Ancient Magus' Bride is an all-new manga series that features a fascinating relationship between a troubled teenage girl and an inhuman wizard. Chise Hatori has lived a life full of neglect and abuse, devoid of anything resembling love. Far from the warmth of family, she has had her share of troubles and pitfalls. Just when all hope seems lost, a fateful encounter awaits her. When a man with the head of a beast, wielding strange powers, obtains her through a slave auction, Chise's life will never be the same again. The man is a "magus," a sorcerer of great power, who decides to free Chise from the bonds of captivity. The magus then makes a bold statement: Chise will become his apprentice -- and his bride!

Variant cover. Enjoy.

ANT-MAN #5

Publisher: MARVEL COMICS

Writer: NICK SPENCER

Art: RAMON ROSANAS

Cover by MARK BROOKS

NYC Variant by MICO SUAYAN

32 PGS / Rated T+ / $3.99

• The explosive first arc finale! There aren’t actually any explosions -- but there IS a big showdown with our poorly lit villain, and plenty of heartbreak to go around.

• Nothing will be the same again! Except you’re still aging. That’s not going anywhere.

It looks like The Walking Dead has spawned a boom in "post-apocalypse survival" stories as much as zombie stories. Which is OK, when the premise is as interesting as this one.

ARCADIA #1

Publisher: BOOM! STUDIOS

Writer: ALEX PAKNADEL

Art: ERIC SCOTT PFEIFFER

Cover: MATT TAYLOR

$3.99

What's to Love: Our long tradition of breaking new talent-like Rafael Albuquerque (The Savage Brothers, American Vampire), Emma Rios (Hexed, Pretty Deadly), and Declan Shalvey (28 Days Later, Moon Knight) -- continues with the debut of Alex Paknadel and Eric Scott Pfeiffer, two new creators whose extensive world-building in the sci-fi thriller Arcadia evokes comparisons to epics like Game of Thrones, The Matrix and Astro City. 

What It Is: When 99% of humankind is wiped out by a pandemic, four billion people are "saved" by being digitized at the brink of death and uploaded into Arcadia, a utopian simulation in the cloud. But when Arcadia begins to rapidly deplete the energy resources upon which the handful of survivors in the real world (aka "The Meat") depends, how long will The Meat be able-and willing-to help? Featuring the first of five connecting covers by Matt Taylor.Joe Caramagna usually adapts the cartoon shows to print, so I assume these stories are set in that universe, especially given the presence of Cap and the Falcon in their traditional garb.

AVENGERS VS #1 (ONE-SHOT)

Publisher: MARVEL COMICS

Writer: JOE CARAMAGNA

Art: ANDREA DI VITO, WELLINTON ALVES, RON LIM, DARIO BRIZUELA

Cover by TOM RANEY

Variant by MICHAEL RYAN

Variant by KALMAN ANDRASOFSZKY

Variant by RON LIM

56 PGS / ONE SHOT / Rated T+ / $5.99

• It’s the Avengers versus some of their all-time greatest foes!

• Powerful Asgardian artifacts are on Earth … but can the Avengers recover them before Loki?

• Contains four short stories featuring the villainous Red Skull, Attuma, Loki, MODOK, and more!

Assemble! This April, Earth’s Mightiest Heroes are doing battle against their deadliest foes for a quartet of can’t miss tales AVENGERS VS! Packed to the gills with action, adventure and excitement – experience four unique stories of the Avengers going toe-to-toe with four of their all-time greatest adversaries!

Writer Joe Caramagna brings you four interconnected, yet standalone stories showcasing the Avengers doing what they do best: saving the world and stopping the bad guys! Loki leading a Frost Giant raid on Asgard? Attuma and a group of Atlanteans sinking an tanker in the Arctic Ocean? M.O.D.O.K. and AIM building a doomsday device? Red Skull wreaking havoc on the streets of New York City? No matter, the Avengers stand ready to heed the call! Avengers Assemble!

“AVENGERS VS is a collection of stories starring a cast of classic Avengers told in a classic Avengers style,” exclaimed writer Joe Caramagna in an interview with Marvel.com. “Whether you’re a fan of Marvel comics, movies, or all of the above, there’s something in AVENGERS VS for you! ”

Debuting this April exclusively on digital platforms, all four Avengers VS stories will see print in May’s AVENGERS VS #1 one-shot. Do you want to see the Avengers come head-to-head with four of their greatest villains of all time? Of course you, do True Believer! Well then no fan should miss out on the non-stop action and high-stakes thrills of AVENGERS VS digitally this April and in print this May!

I've really enjoyed the Baltimore stories so far. It's not Hellboy, but it's still delicious Mignola weirdness. Here's another jumping-on point.

BALTIMORE: THE CULT OF THE RED KING #1 (OF 5)

Publisher: DARK HORSE

Writers: MIKE MIGNOLA, CHRISTOPHER GOLDEN

Art: PETER BERGTING

Colors: DAVE STEWART

Cover: BEN STENBECK

On sale May 6

FC, 32 pages, $3.99

Miniseries

The Red King is legendary. But is he the stuff of myth -- or the ultimate adversary of the human race? In this series, Lord Baltimore discovers the truth about an ancient evil that threatens to destroy the world.

• A great starting point for anyone looking to delve into the world of Baltimore.

• Baltimore’s ultimate quest begins here!

“If you’re intrigued about horror in the early twentieth century, this promises to deliver on that premise.” -- Bloody Disgusting

And here's another "post-apocalypse survival" story. But like any genre, it's the execution that will determine its quality.

BLACK RIVER (GN)

Publisher: FANTAGRAPHICS BOOKS

Writer/Art/Cover: JOSH SIMMONS

Mature/$18.99

Josh Simmons (The Furry Trap, House) returns with a full-length graphic novel about a bedraggled group making their way through a post-apocalyptic world in search of some sort of civilization. Along the way, they encounter fools, lunatics, murderous sadists and also visit a comedy club. All manner of terrors, in other words. Simmons is one of the most distinctive voices in the horror genre and Black River, with its perfect pacing, is his best work yet.If this seems familiar, it's because Previews initially listed it for last week, and I ran it then. But here it is again, for real this time (apparently), with the much-anticipated end to "Endgame," which sets up the Commissioner Gordon-as-Batman thing that we saw in the FCBD book May 2. Oh, and there's an homage cover to The Mask.

BATMAN #40

Publisher: DC COMICS

Written by SCOTT SNYDER

Art and cover by GREG CAPULLO and DANNY MIKI

MOVIE POSTER Variant cover by DAVE JOHNSON

1:25 Variant cover by ANDY KUBERT

On sale MARCH 25 • 40 pg, FC, $4.99 US • RATED T

Combo pack edition: $5.99 US

Retailers: This issue will ship with four covers. Please see the order form for more information.

The finale of “Endgame” is here! Batman risks everything against The Joker! Who will laugh last?

This issue is also offered as a combo pack edition with a redemption code for a digital download of this issue.

I'm enjoying this Earth One series better than Superman or Teen Titans, and I'll tell you why in this week's column.

BATMAN EARTH ONE VOL 2 (HC)

Publisher: DC COMICS

Written by GEOFF JOHNS

Art by GARY FRANK and JON SIBAL

Cover by GARY FRANK

On sale MAY 6 • 160 pg, FC, $24.99 US

It’s here – the sequel to the #1 New York Times bestseller and critically acclaimed BATMAN: EARTH ONE by the superstar creative team of writer Geoff Johns and artist Gary Frank! While Gotham City is plunged into terror by an enigmatic anarchist and killer calling himself The Riddler, the Dark Knight must reconcile the increasingly conflicting ideologies of Detective Jim Gordon and Bruce Wayne’s head of security, Alfred Pennyworth. But there are many more mysteries lurking within Gotham City, including the secret agenda of Harvey Dent and the bizarre creature prowling the sewers – Killer Croc!

I have to give DC credit for being more experimental with this series than any previous iteration of this ongoing team-up. And the Jae Lee covers sure don't hurt the weirdness quotient!

BATMAN/SUPERMAN VOL. 3: SECOND CHANCE (HC)

Publisher: DC COMICS

Written by GREG PAK

Art by TOM RANEY, KEN LASHLEY, DIOGENES NEVES, TOM DERENICK, KARL KERSCHL, DANIEL SAMPERE and others

Cover by JAE LEE

On sale MAY 6 • 160 pg, FC, $22.99 US

The worlds of Batman and Superman clash as something terrible happens to the World’s Finest team, and a Dark Knight who is not quite himself must team up with Lois Lane to find a missing Man of Steel. Meanwhile, Selina Kyle encounters a person of amazing strength who has no idea who he is. Collects issues #10-15.If I were coming to Brubaker's Cap run cold, I'd probably opt for this format. But I'd certainly want it in some format!

CAPTAIN AMERICA: RETURN OF THE WINTER SOLDIER OMNIBUS (HC)

Publisher: MARVEL COMICS

Written by ED BRUBAKER, MARC ANDREYKO, JAMES ASMUS & CULLEN BUNN

Penciled by CHRIS SAMNEE, FRANCESCO FRANCAVILLA, JACKSON GUICE, MICHAEL LARK, PATRICK ZIRCHER, SCOT EATON & STEVE EPTING

Cover by STEVE EPTING

752 PGS / Rated T+ / $99.99

Trim size: oversized

Ed Brubaker’s award-winning Captain America run concludes! As Captain America’s staunch ally Bucky, James Buchanan Barnes was one of America’s greatest heroes of WWII — until he was brainwashed into becoming the Soviet spy known as the Winter Soldier. Now, in the aftermath of FEAR ITSELF, James is the Winter Soldier again! When Russian sleeper agents awaken and old enemies resurface with new identities, Winter Soldier and Black Widow clash with Dr. Doom — and James must save the Widow from her own past! But even with help from Wolverine and Hawkeye, must Bucky sacrifice everything to save his love? Meanwhile, Captain America takes on Scourge and the Discordians, while a deadly villain from the past reveals a mystery spanning generations of heroes! Collecting CAPTAIN AMERICA AND BUCKY #620-628, FEAR ITSELF #7.1: CAPTAIN AMERICA, WINTER SOLDIER #1-14 and CAPTAIN AMERICA (2011) #11-19.

Ooh, a video! I can't resist running those!

Also, I've read the three trades (sorta -- my iPad really doesn't like loading these) and the art is terrific. It's also an interesting take on the Dracula legend, in that vampirism isn't blood-sucking so much as mind control. Dracula (and his arch-enemy, a brother) are non-corporeal entities who take over bunches of people throughout history -- they inhabit a primary host, who then controls the others -- and try to destroy each other. (Like in Star Trek's "Wolf in the Fold," you can destroy these entities if you kill their host when they don't have access to another one.) 

Aside from that clever idea, though, I find the writing a bit off-putting, with multiple long-term flashbacks and abrupt scene-shifting. The art, however, is fan-freaking-tastic, as Rick Jones used to say, and worth the price of admission. Fabien Nury shows influence from a number of greats -- Berni Wrightson, Barry Windsor-Smith -- but is his own man for the most part, especially in eye-popping establishing shots in the wilder places of the world.

THE CHRONICLES OF LEGION VOL. 3 (OF 4) BLOOD BROTHERS

Publisher: TITAN COMICS

Writer: FABIEN NURY

Artists: MARIO ALBERTI, ZHANG XIAOYU, TIRSO

56pp / FC / 3 (of 4) / 8” x 11”

$15.99 U.S. / $17.95 CAN / £11.99 UK

On sale: 05/05/2015

“I am legion … for we are many!”

In South America, Gabriella De La Fuente is quickly losing patience with her role as dutiful wife, and unleashes the full force of the terrifying power she possesses!

In Russia, Captain Armand Malachi has died, his body is no longer of any use. Among the rank and file, though, there is always a new soul to be pressed into service, a new vessel to be found...

In London, the man that was Victor Thorpe feels the judgmental eyes of society on him, and decides to take action to silence them all!

Three lives - three incarnations of Dracula!

Check out the trailer that kicked off this series:

I haven't read word one of this series, but one thing I like from the covers is that when Puryear gives a girl a big rack, he gives her hips to match (check out the previews). That's how it works in real life, boys.

CONCRETE PARK VOLUME 2: R-E-S-P-E-C-T (HC)

Publisher: DARK HORSE

Writers: TONY PURYEAR, ERIKA ALEXANDER

Art/Cover: TONY PURYEAR

On sale Apr 29

FC, 136 pages, $19.99

HC, 7" x 10"

Isaac -- a young outcast from Earth -- awakens on a distant desert planet gripped by violence. Rescued by the gang leader Luca, Isaac must choose sides and fight! Concrete Park Volume 2: R-E-S-P-E-C-T continues the dark, sexy sci-fi saga. Collects the complete R-E-S-P-E-C-T arc, plus new pages and bonus materials!

• An acclaimed sci-fi thriller with fantastic twists!

• Blockbuster screenwriter Tony Puryear cowrites and draws!

“This is blaxploitation style in a science fiction setting and ... it reads like nothing else.” -- Rhymes with Geek

 It's Week 5 of DC's Convergence, which we'll talk about HERE. The titles, if you need them, are below.

CONVERGENCE #5

Written by JEFF KING

Art by ANDY KUBERT and SANDRA HOPE

Cover by ANDY KUBERT

Variant cover by TONY S. DANIEL and MARK MORALES

1:25 Variant cover by JEROME OPENA

1:100 Cyborg sketch variant cover by IVAN REIS

On sale MAY 6 • 32 pg, FC, 5 of 8, $3.99 US • RATED T

Retailers: This issue will ship with four covers. Please see the order form for more information.

The threat to the Multiverse grows as Brainiac confronts his creation Telos, and the surviving heroes of Earth-2 are stuck in the middle! Plus: A specific moment in time signals a call to all the cities that have been battling each other!  Witness the final fates of the winners and losers of Convergence!

CONVERGENCE: THE ATOM #2

Written by TOM PEYER

Art by STEVE YEOWELL and ANDY OWENS

Cover by STEVE DILLON

Variant cover designed by CHIP KIDD

On sale MAY 6 • 40 pg, FC, 2 of 2, $3.99 US • RATED T

Retailers: This issue will ship with two covers. Please see the order form for details.

STARRING HEROES FROM THE PRE-FLASHPOINT DCU! Ray Palmer battles the Extremist Barracuda even as he struggles with what seems to be the presence of the dead Atom, Ryan Choi, while Deathstroke waits in the wings ready to kill any Atom he sees!

This extra-sized issue includes a sneak peek at what’s coming up in the DC Universe!

 

CONVERGENCE: BATGIRL #2

Written by ALISA KWITNEY

Art by RICK LEONARDI and MARK PENNINGTON

Cover by RICK LEONARDI and DAN GREEN

Variant cover designed by CHIP KIDD

On sale MAY 6 • 40 pg, FC, 2 of 2, $3.99 US • RATED T

Retailers: This issue will ship with two covers. Please see the order form for more information.

STARRING HEROES FROM THE PRE-FLASHPOINT DCU! What will be the final fate of Stephanie Brown as she battles both Flashpoint Grodd and Catman? Or is the real fight closer to home, against Red Robin?

This extra-sized issue includes a sneak peek at what’s coming up in the DC Universe!

 

CONVERGENCE: BATMAN AND ROBIN #2

Written by RON MARZ

Art and cover by DENYS COWAN and KLAUS JANSON

Variant cover designed by CHIP KIDD

On sale MAY 6 • 40 pg, FC, 2 of 2, $3.99 US • RATED T

Retailers: This issue will ship with two covers. Please see the order form for details.

STARRING HEROES FROM THE PRE-FLASHPOINT DCU! It’s a Bat-Family reunion with Bruce, Damian and Jason Todd, so you know things aren’t going to end well – but it gets a lot worse when Batman and Robin have to fight the Extremists!

This extra-sized issue includes a sneak peek at what’s coming up in the DC Universe!

 

CONVERGENCE: HARLEY QUINN #2

Written by STEVE PUGH

Art by PHIL WINSLADE and JOHN DELL

Cover by STEVE PUGH

Variant cover designed by CHIP KIDD

On sale MAY 6 • 40 pg, FC, 2 of 2, $3.99 US • RATED T

Retailers: This issue will ship with two covers. Please see the order form for more information.

STARRING HEROES FROM THE PRE-FLASHPOINT DCU! Harley Quinn, Catwoman and Poison Ivy fight Captain Carrot and his Amazing Zoo Crew – to the death!

This extra-sized issue includes a sneak peek at what’s coming up in the DC Universe!

 

CONVERGENCE: JUSTICE LEAGUE #2

Written by FRANK TIERI

Art by VICENTE CIFUENTES

Cover by MARK BUCKINGHAM

Variant cover designed by CHIP KIDD

On sale MAY 6 • 40 pg, FC, 2 of 2, $3.99 US • RATED T

Retailers: This issue will ship with two covers. Please see the order form for details.

STARRING HEROES FROM THE PRE-FLASHPOINT DCU! Witness the brutality of the battles between worlds as Flashpoint Aquaman proves to the Justice League how far he’s willing to go to protect his kingdom.

This extra-sized issue includes a sneak peek at what’s coming up in the DC Universe!

 

CONVERGENCE: NIGHTWING/ORACLE #2

Written by GAIL SIMONE

Art by JAN DUURSEMA and DAN PARSONS

Cover by JILL THOMPSON

Variant cover designed by CHIP KIDD

On sale MAY 6 • 40 pg, FC, 2 of 2, $3.99 US • RATED T

Retailers: This issue will ship with two covers. Please see the order form for more information.

STARRING HEROES FROM THE PRE-FLASHPOINT DCU! The fairy tale starring Dick Grayson and Barbara Gordon tries to survive one more night – and a brutal attack by Flashpoint Hawkman and Hawkwoman!

This extra-sized issue includes a sneak peek at what’s coming up in the DC Universe!

 

CONVERGENCE: THE QUESTION #2

Written by GREG RUCKA

Art and cover by CULLY HAMNER

Variant cover designed by CHIP KIDD

On sale MAY 6 • 40 pg, FC, 2 of 2, $3.99 US • RATED T

Retailers: This issue will ship with two covers. Please see the order form for details.

STARRING HEROES FROM THE PRE-FLASHPOINT DCU! Renee Montoya’s final stand as The Question comes to a head as she helps Two-Face battle Flashpoint’s Harvey Dent…but will her world live on?

This extra-sized issue includes a sneak peek at what’s coming up in the DC Universe!

 

CONVERGENCE: SPEED FORCE #2

Written by TONY BEDARD

Art by TOM GRUMMETT and SEAN PARSONS

Cover by BRETT BOOTH and NORM RAPMUND

Variant cover designed by CHIP KIDD

On sale MAY 6 • 40 pg, FC, 2 of 2, $3.99 US • RATED T

Retailers: This issue will ship with two covers. Please see the order form for information.

STARRING HEROES FROM THE PRE-FLASHPOINT DCU! Wally West desperately tries to protect his children and his city from the brutal assault of the Flashpoint Wonder Woman as the next phase of Convergence begins!

This extra-sized issue includes a sneak peek at what’s coming up in the DC Universe!

 

CONVERGENCE: SUPERMAN #2

Written by DAN JURGENS

Art by DAN JURGENS and NORM RAPMUND

Cover by LEE WEEKS

Variant cover designed by CHIP KIDD

On sale MAY 6 • 40 pg, FC, 2 of 2, $3.99 US • RATED T

Retailers: This issue will ship with two covers. Please see the order form for details.

STARRING HEROES FROM THE PRE-FLASHPOINT DCU! Flashpoint Kal-El has kidnapped Lois while she’s in labor! Will Superman reach them in time—or will Flashpoint Batman have to deliver the Man of Steel’s only child?

This extra-sized issue includes a sneak peek at what’s coming up in the DC Universe!

 

CONVERGENCE: TITANS #2

Written by FABIAN NICIEZA

Art RON WAGNER and JOSE MARZAN, JR.

Cover by EMANUELA LUPACCHINO

Variant cover designed by CHIP KIDD

On sale MAY 6 • 40 pg, FC, 2 of 2, $3.99 US • RATED T

Retailers: This issue will ship with two covers. Please see the order form for more information.

STARRING HEROES FROM THE PRE-FLASHPOINT DCU! A severely depleted Titans team, including Arsenal and Donna Troy, is put to the test against the world-conquering Extremists! But how can they do this while protecting Arsenal’s daughter Lian?

This extra-sized issue includes a sneak peek at what’s coming up in the DC Universe!

 


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  • Here's another ad hoc team-up with various Valiant characters. They're kinda keen.

    I read this issue, and while I'm not crazy about the art style (see preview) it's pretty clear storytelling. The story is mostly set-up with a lengthy chase sequence, so it appears we won't get to the meat of the matter until the next issue.

    DEAD DROP #1 (of 4)

    4735d879-1af1-4d57-b538-4b807407cc86.jpg?width=525

    1936675696?profile=RESIZE_320x3201936677592?profile=RESIZE_320x3201936679953?profile=RESIZE_320x3201936681804?profile=RESIZE_320x3201936683519?profile=RESIZE_180x180Publisher: VALIANT COMICS

    Written by ALES KOT

    Art by ADAM GORHAM

    Cover A by RAUL ALLEN

    Cover B by ADAM GORHAM

    Cover C by JUAN JOSE RYP

    Cover D by BRIAN LEVEL

    $3.99 US | T+ | 32 pgs.

    Four issues. Four stories. One ticking clock. The countdown to DEAD DROP begins this May!

    Valiant is proud to announce DEAD DROP #1 (of 4) – the FIRST ISSUE of an all-new four-issue limited series from red-hot writer Ales Kot ( Bucky Barnes: The Winter Soldier, Secret Avengers) and rising star Adam Gorham ( Zero)! Beginning this May, an unlikely cast of superhuman operators – X-O Manowar, Archer, MI-6 spymaster Neville Alcott, outdated android Beta-Max and Quantum and Woody's inside woman on the DCPD, Detective Alejandra Cejudo – fall in deep for an undercover conspiracy action thriller in the darkest corners of the Valiant Universe…

    There is a secret black market in New York. It is hidden in plain sight – in our streets, trains, restaurants. Those who know how to navigate it exchange secrets of extraordinary nature. But when the secret in circulation is a biological weapon derived from Vine technology, the gloves are off – and the most extraordinary agents are released to stop the disaster before it occurs.

    Otherwise, in less than 30 minutes, there will be no world to come back to.

    X-O Manowar, Archer, Neville Alcott, Detective Cejudo and Beta-Max are ready to save the world.  

    "DEAD DROP is a series of self-contained issues, each with a slightly different theme and atmosphere, but they all connect," writer Ales Kot told Comic Book Resources. "The first one is very much a human tank x parkour runner chase through Manhattan, the second one is ... well, a chase as well, but without pants (it's Archer, after all) and with a 'man chases a car through Brooklyn' vibe, the third one is spy game weirdness, and the fourth one is a whodunit."

    "With DEAD DROP, Ales Kot and Adam Gorham have drilled deep into the insane brain of the Valiant Universe, creating a helluva story featuring four characters that don't normally hang out together, including the Visigoth warrior X-O Manowar and the outdated cyborg known as Beta-Max," added Editor-in-Chief Warren Simons.  "Each story's unique tone is based on the issue's key character, which makes the series a combination of action, subversiveness, humor, and mystery. Across these four issues, you'll see four characters with four very different viewpoints deal with an unprecedented threat in a manner that only Ales could cook up."

    X-O Manowar: Heir to the throne of the Visigoth people, the fifth-century warrior named Aric of Dacia was abducted and enslaved by an alien race called The Vine before escaping with the aid of their most powerful weapon – the X-O Manowar armor. Returning to Earth, Aric found himself stranded in the modern day where he now defends the planet from threats both internal and extraterrestrial as the alien-armored hero called X-O Manowar.

    Archer: Adopted and raised by an evil organization called The Sect, Obadiah Archer's uncanny ability to mimic any skill made him an invaluable asset to his parents' mission: kill the drunken immortal called Armstrong. Archer eventually turned on his parents and formed an unlikely partnership with his former quarry as they travelled globe to root out and destroy The Sect's conspiratorial plots.

    Neville Alcott: Little is known about the MI-6 liaison who pulls the strings of the most powerful beings on Earth – Neville Alcott. But as the designated handler of superteam UNITY, his reach and influence are seemingly limitless.

     Beta-Max: Beta-Max is a genius who pioneered cyborg technology using himself as a test subject. Unfortunately, his transformation was completed in the 1980s … and any modern day upgrades would be lethal. He can send a mean fax though!

     Detective Cejudo: A genetic copy of the Crone, leader of an evil secret science society, Detective Alejandra Cejudo broke free from her creator thanks to the bumbling efforts of Quantum and Woody. She now serves as their top liaison inside the Washington D.C. metro police department.

    A virus on the loose … A king after him … Things are not what they seem … This May, acclaimed creators Ales Kot and Adam Gorham bring the far corners of the Valiant Universe crashing down on New York City for a four-issue race against the clock in DEAD DROP #1 (of 4) – featuring covers by Raul Allen (IMPERIUM), Adam Gorham (Zero), Juan Jose Ryp (Ghosted), and Brian Level ( Lazarus)!

    For more information, visit Valiant online at  Facebook.com/ValiantComics,  Twitter.com/ValiantComics, and  ValiantUniverse.com.

    Valiant is proud to present an advance preview of DEAD DROP #1 (of 4) – the FIRST ISSUE of an all-new, four-issue, superhero conspiracy thriller from acclaimed writer Ales Kot ( Bucky Barnes: The Winter Soldier,  Secret Avengers) and rising star Adam Gorham ( Zero)! On May 6th, X-O Manowar leads an unlikely cast of heroes from across the Valiant Universe into a high-stakes hunt through New York City for a lost alien artifact that could soon threaten the entire globe!

    1936683645?profile=RESIZE_180x1801936685590?profile=RESIZE_180x1801936685609?profile=RESIZE_180x1801936687547?profile=RESIZE_180x1801936689607?profile=RESIZE_180x1801936691407?profile=RESIZE_180x180This was a game effort at something different. I'm sorry it didn't sell better.

    DIAL H DELUXE EDITION (HC)

    1801477229?profile=RESIZE_320x320Publisher: DC COMICS

    Written by CHINA MIEVILLE

    Art by MATEUS SANTOLOUCO, ALBERTO PONTICELLI, DAVID LAPHAM and DAN GREEN

    Cover by BRIAN BOLLAND

    On sale MAY 6 • 368 pg, FC, 7.0625” x 10.875” $34.99 US

    When gamer Nelson Jent accidentally discovers the mysterious H Dial, his life will never be the same! But can he keep the Dial out of the clutches of an array of villains? And what is the secret behind the Dial’s power? Collects DIAL H #0-15.1801420954?profile=RESIZE_180x180If I haven't said it before: Thank you, Dark Horse. This is exactly the format for EC reprints that I've waited for since the 1960s.

    THE EC ARCHIVES: SHOCK SUSPENSTORIES VOLUME 3 (HC)

    1801415842?profile=RESIZE_320x320Publisher: DARK HORSE

    Writers: BILL GAINES, AL FELDSTEIN, JACK OLECK, OTTO BINDER, CARL WESSLER

    Art: JACK DAVIS, JACK KAMEN, WALLY WOOD, REED CRANDALL, GEORGE EVANS, BERNIE KRIGSTEIN, BILL ELDER, JOE ORLANDO, FRANK FRAZETTA

    Colors: MARIE SEVERIN, CARLOS BADILLA

    On sale Apr 29

    FC, 216 pages, $49.99

    HC, 8 1/4" x 11"

    Foreword by Brian Michael Bendis!

    Dark Horse Comics brings you shocking tales of suspense! These stimulating stories have been digitally recolored -- using Marie Severin’s original palette as a guide -- and feature art by all-star comic talents Jack Davis, Jack Kamen, Wally Wood, Reed Crandall, George Evans, Bernie Krigstein, Bill Elder, Joe Orlando, and Frank Frazetta! Collects Shock SuspenStories #13-18.

    Includes all the original ads, text pieces, and letters!

    ecarchshocksusp1.jpg?width=150ecarchshocksusp2.jpg?width=150ecarchshocksusp3.jpg?width=1501936680057?profile=RESIZE_180x180ecarchshocksusp4.jpg?width=150ecarchshocksusp5.jpg?width=150ecarchshocksusp6.jpg?width=1501936680057?profile=RESIZE_180x180ecarchshocksusp7.jpg?width=150ecarchshocksusp8.jpg?width=1501936680057?profile=RESIZE_180x180I thought this had already shipped. No matter. If you haven't read it yet, you definitely should.

    EMPIRE VOL 1 (TPB)

    Empire-V01-cvr-90bb5.jpg?width=250Publisher: IDW PUBLISHING

    Writer: MARK WAID

    Art/Cover: BARRY KITSON

    TPB • FC • $24.99 • 208 pages

    Golgoth thinks he controls most of the populated Earth, ruling through military might and fear, but he can't even trust his own super-powered staff.

    •The acclaimed, long sold-out series in print in this deluxe collection that leads into the all-new Empire: Uprising #1!

    • It's Game of Thrones meets science-fiction!

    • All-new printing contains exclusive, never-before seen material from artist Kitson!

    1801485049?profile=RESIZE_180x1801936691543?profile=RESIZE_180x1801936693785?profile=RESIZE_180x1801936695837?profile=RESIZE_180x1801801485049?profile=RESIZE_180x1801936697586?profile=RESIZE_180x1801936697788?profile=RESIZE_180x1801936699720?profile=RESIZE_180x1801801485049?profile=RESIZE_180x1801936701600?profile=RESIZE_180x1801801485049?profile=RESIZE_180x180I have to say that the Disney adventure books haven't looked very interesting to me. But Marvel's giving 'em a big push, so I feel obligated to mention them.

    FIGMENT (HC)

    1936572229?profile=RESIZE_320x320Publisher: MARVEL COMICS

    Written by JIM ZUB

    Penciled by FILIPE ANDRADE

    Cover by JOHN TYLER CHRISTOPHER

    136 PGS / All Ages / $24.99

    Trim size: oversized

    The next great Disney adventure is here — starring one of Disney’s most popular characters! Dive into a steampunk fantasy story revealing the origin of the inventor known as Dreamfinder, and learn how one little spark of inspiration created a purple dragon called Figment! Our daring duo explore the realms of imagination, finding friends and foes alike — while back on Earth, a clockwork army assembles under the command of the frightening force known only as the Singular! And when Clockwork Control invades London while the intrepid explorers are trapped within the Nightmare Nation, the only obstacles standing between the Singular and total domination are Dreamfinder, Figment and their newfound friends! Acclaimed and uniquely talented creators Jim Zub (Skullkickers) and Filipe Andrade (CAPTAIN MARVEL) give a Marvel spin to Epcot’s mind-bending attraction, Journey into Imagination! Collecting FIGMENT #1-5.

    Elements based on Figment © Disney1801467472?profile=RESIZE_180x180

    Nice cover!

    THE FLASH SEASON ZERO #8

    1801477019?profile=RESIZE_320x320Publisher: DC COMICS

    Written by ANDREW KREISBERG, KAI WU and LAUREN CETO

    Art by PHIL HESTER and ERIC GAPSTUR

    Photo cover

    On sale MAY 6 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T • DIGITAL FIRST

    Barry and his team attempt to track down King Shark, but their mission grows complicated when they run into … the Suicide Squad!1801420954?profile=RESIZE_180x180I'm really impressed with how Archie has approached this character. Or should I say Mark Waid? Anyway, I've really enjoyed it.

    THE FOX #2

    1801376662?profile=RESIZE_320x3201801376836?profile=RESIZE_320x3201801432168?profile=RESIZE_180x1801801377103?profile=RESIZE_320x320Publisher: ARCHIE COMICS

    Plot/Cover: DEAN HASPIEL

    Art: DEAN HASPIEL, JOHN WORKMAN, JOSE VILLARUBIA

    Script: MARK WAID

    Father and Son Variant Cover: HOWARD CHAYKIN

    Dark Circle Movie Throwback Variant Cover: ROBERT HACK

    32-page, full color comic, $3.99 U.S.

    NEW ONGOING SERIES FROM DARK CIRCLE!

    “Fox Hunt, Part 2 – The Other Shoe”: The fox-hunt has begun, and Impact City's most dangerous criminals are out for BLOOD. When Paul Patton Jr. decides to take his son, Shinji, on a trip to the Museum of the Moving Image, he’s hoping to make an effort to finally be a present father and not the superhero freak magnet known as The Fox. But when a violent bank robbery derails their plans, and Paul is unwilling to don his superhero suit and save the day, a new kind of superhero will need to step in and save the day. So why is this new hero The Fox's WORST NIGHTMARE? Emmy award-winning artist Dean Haspiel and Eisner Award-winning writer Mark Waid bring you the next chapter in Dark Circle's most twisted tale yet!

    Featuring variant cover art from Howard Chaykin and Robert Hack!

    1936680057?profile=RESIZE_180x180

    I haven't followed this title, but it appears to be popular, so here's your reminder to pick up the collection, if you need to.

    GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY VOL. 1 (HC)

    1936535149?profile=RESIZE_320x3201936537226?profile=RESIZE_320x3201936690198?profile=RESIZE_180x180Publisher: MARVEL COMICS

    Written by BRIAN MICHAEL BENDIS

    Penciled by STEVE MCNIVEN, SARA PICHELLI, FRANCESCO FRANCAVILLA, KEVIN MAGUIRE,

    MICHAEL AVON OEMING, MICHAEL DEL MUNDO, MING DOYLE & YVES BIGEREL

    Direct Market Variant Cover by STEVE McNIVEN

    312 PGS / Rated T+ / $34.99

    Trim size: oversized

    Why has Earth suddenly become the most important planet in the galaxy? The Guardians of the Galaxy plan to find out! Star-Lord, Gamora, Drax, Rocket Raccoon, Groot — and the invincible Iron Man — embark on an explosive adventure! The secrets they discover will rattle readers for years to come! But while Earth deals with a brutal Badoon invasion, the Guardians’ fate has been decided millions of miles away! Then, Heaven’s most fearsome angel comes for the Guardians! And when Gamora battles the mysterious Angela, the universe hangs in the balance! The Guardians find themselves at a crossroads when Thanos’ master plan takes shape. Can Angela’s power help combat INFINITY? And will Star-Lord betray the entire universe? The cosmic blockbuster hit begins here! Collecting GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY (2013) #0.1 and #1-10, and GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY: TOMORROW’S AVENGERS #1.1936680057?profile=RESIZE_180x180OK, I may have to get this one, just because Rocket may never live it down.

    GUARDIANS TEAM-UP #5

    1936701852?profile=RESIZE_320x320Publisher: MARVEL COMICS

    Writers: ANDY LANNING & ANDY SCHMIDT

    Art: GUSTAVO DUARTE

    Cover by HUMBERTO RAMOS

    32 PGS / Rated T+ / $3.99

    • The universe’s most powerful cabal of villainy has formed right under the Earth’s Mightiest Heroes’ noses -- and they never noticed! This group of fowl (get it!) villains, is the Pets of Evil Masters!

    • And they’re after world domination! Rocket must team-up with The Pet Avengers (much to his dismay) to face down the foes that no one else can (or will bother with) in this Earth-Shattering adventure that can only be told in the Mighty Marvel Manner!1936690198?profile=RESIZE_180x1801936703974?profile=RESIZE_180x1801936704210?profile=RESIZE_180x1801936704485?profile=RESIZE_180x1801936704646?profile=RESIZE_180x1801936705284?profile=RESIZE_180x1801936690198?profile=RESIZE_180x180

  • Lots of variant covers, for some reason.

    HULK #16

    1936675656?profile=RESIZE_320x3201936677590?profile=RESIZE_320x3201936680057?profile=RESIZE_180x1801936680140?profile=RESIZE_320x320Publisher: MARVEL COMICS

    Writer: GERRY DUGGAN

    Art/Cover: MARK BAGLEY

    Variant Cover by LEINIL YU

    NYC Variant by MATTHIEU FORICHON

    40 PGS / Rated T / $4.99

    HULK–SIZED GRAND FINALE TO “THE OMEGA HULK” EPIC!!!

    • The HULK confrontation you’ve been waiting for: DOC GREEN VS JEN WALTERS

    • What is Doc Green’s startling confession???

    • And ... the return of BETTY ROSS?!?

    • PLUS: the reveal of LYRA THE SAVAGE SHE-HULK’S fate!1936680057?profile=RESIZE_180x1801936681991?profile=RESIZE_180x1801936684198?profile=RESIZE_180x1801936686307?profile=RESIZE_180x1801936688162?profile=RESIZE_180x1801936690198?profile=RESIZE_180x180Still with the extra Inhumans material. I confess I don't have much interest.

    For one thing, they appear to be using the X-Men playbook, and I've already seen all that. I'm not interested in seeing the "protect a world that fears and hates them" thing AGAIN. I mean, it was all right the first time, but even the X-Men had to move away from that eventually to keep the stories fresh.

    Plus, there were a lot of core X-Men I was interested in -- maybe a dozen or so. So when they introduced tons of new X-people, most of them poorly thought out and/or boring, I didn't care, because I could focus on the characters I cared about. But with the Inhumans, there's maybe a half dozen I care about: Medusa, Black Bolt, Karnak (who's dead), Gorgon, Maximus, Lockjaw and maybe Crystal. But, of course, now they're introducing dozens or hundreds of new Inhumans, most of whom are, as above, poorly thought out and/or boring. There's just not enough there to pique my interest.

    Also, that logo sucks.

    But I'm open-minded enough that if someone recommends Inhuman, I might pick it up. Anyone want to do so?

    INHUMAN ANNUAL #1

    1936690645?profile=RESIZE_320x3201936692758?profile=RESIZE_320x3201936690198?profile=RESIZE_180x180Publisher: MARVEL COMICS

    Writer: CHARLES SOULE

    Art/Cover: RYAN STEGMAN

    Variant by DAVID NAKAYAMA

    40 PGS / ONE-SHOT / Rated T+ / $4.99

    • All the threads of the first year come to a head in this epic oversized Annual!

    • Medusa! Lash! Ennilux! Reader! Lineage!

    • What will be left standing before Secret Wars pulls it all crashing to the floor?!?!?1936695245?profile=RESIZE_180x1801936697264?profile=RESIZE_180x1801936699425?profile=RESIZE_180x1801936701246?profile=RESIZE_180x1801936690198?profile=RESIZE_180x180

    I read the trade of the first series, Jupiter's Children, and really liked it. The premise is: What if the Silver Age Superman's fellows and the next generation got tired of his goody-goody attitude and ganged up and killed him to be free of him? (It helps that the brother of the Superman analog is a mind pusher/controller.) The ones with no regrets immediately set out to improve (read: control) the world, while some of the others -- a Millennial slacker, a former bad guy, etc. -- grow a spine and become an underground resistance of sorts.

    I haven't picked up on this second mini yet, but it appears to occur after the conflicts of the first trade are largely settled. I don't know where it's going, and that's always a good thing.

    JUPITER’S CIRCLE #2

    JupitersCircle_02.jpg?width=250Publisher: IMAGE COMICS

    Story: MARK MILLAR

    Art: WILFREDO TORRES

    Cover: FRANK QUITELY

    MAY 6 / 32 PAGES / FC / M / $3.50

    It’s 1958 America, and Dr. Richard Conrad is a superhero and celebrated surgeon...with another identity that he struggles to keep hidden from his trusted teammates. When the director of the FBI threatens to reveal his secret, Richard is forced to make an impossible decision, all while his team battles to keep the world safe.1936690198?profile=RESIZE_180x1801936701323?profile=RESIZE_180x1801936703433?profile=RESIZE_180x1801936703790?profile=RESIZE_180x1801936704022?profile=RESIZE_180x1801936704107?profile=RESIZE_180x1801936706482?profile=RESIZE_180x1801801420954?profile=RESIZE_180x180Here's another long-delayed book -- it was supposed to be published before Convergence, which began more than a month ago! It sets up what the story in the FCBD book on May 2, so it's really, really late! The homage cover is to Magic Mike, a movie I never saw.

    JUSTICE LEAGUE #40

    STK665653.jpg?width=2503040094-slide-s-1-dc-comics-is-paying-tribute-to-famous-movie-posters-with-its-march-variant-covers.jpg?width=2501801420954?profile=RESIZE_180x180Publisher: DC COMICS

    Written by GEOFF JOHNS

    Art and cover by JASON FABOK

    MOVIE POSTER Variant cover by EMANUELA LUPACCHINO

    1:25 Variant cover by ALEX GARNER

    On sale MARCH 18 • 32 pg, FC, $3.99 US • RATED T

    Combo pack edition: $4.99 US

    Retailers: This issue will ship with four covers. Please see the order form for details.

    The prologue to this summer’s upcoming JUSTICE LEAGUE event – “THE DARKSEID WAR”! It’s been building since JUSTICE LEAGUE #1. Now, Batman, Superman, Wonder Woman, Green Lantern, The Flash, Aquaman, Cyborg and the rest of the DC Universe will come face to face with the two most powerful and dangerous entities in existence when both come for Earth. But why? To what lengths with the League have to go to survive? And what secrets about the League will be revealed?

    This issue is also offered as a combo pack edition with a redemption code for a digital download of this issue.

    Here's a press release from DC that's correct except for the date. (DC says it came out on 4/29, while Diamond says it's coming out on 5/6.)

    The first chapter in the epic “Darkseid War” saga begins with JUSTICE LEAGUE #40, on sale April 29!

    The dreaded Darkseid squares off against the Anti-Monitor in a battle for the cosmos, with the Justice League smack dab in the middle! Written by Geoff Johns, issue 40 also introduces a new villain that has a strange connection to Darkseid and a certain Justice League member. … In addition to killer art from Justice League regular artist Jason Fabok, this issue also includes contributions from an all-star lineup of guest artists, including: Phil Jimenez, Dan Jurgens, Scott Kolins, Jim Lee, Kevin Maguire and Jerry Ordway!

    Head on over to DCCOMICS.COM for all the latest news!

    I dunno if the movie will be any good, but this art looks mighty fine.

    MAD MAX: FURY ROAD – INSPIRED ARTISTS DELUXE EDITION (HC)

    1936616875?profile=RESIZE_320x320Publisher: DC COMICS

    Art by BILL SIENKIEWICZ, LEE BERMEJO, DAVE JOHNSON, PAUL POPE, DAVID MACK, HOWARD CHAYKIN, NICOLA SCOTT, GABRIELE DELL’OTTO, CLIFF CHIANG, GEORGE PRATT, TOMMY LEE EDWARDS, JOHN PAUL LEON, TEDDY KRISTIANSEN, SIMON BISLEY, GILBERT HERNANDEZ, JAVIER PULIDO, TARA McPHERSON, DECLAN SHALVEY, REBEKAH ISAACS, DVE McKEAN and many more!

    With commentary by GEORGE MILLER and the artists

    On sale MAY 6 • 144 pg, FC, 7.0625” x 10.875”, $24.99 US • MATURE READERS

    In anticipation of the upcoming blockbuster film Mad Max: Fury Road, 65 of comics’ best artists took to the post-apocalyptic landscape to interpret this gorgeous and desolate world of George Miller’s design. Inspired by images from the film, each of these visionary artists brings their unique style to a double-page spread of part of the world of Mad Max, with commentary from the artists and Miller himself. From breathtaking action sequences to heartbreaking character portraits, Fury Road will be perfectly captured by a one-of-a-kind array of comics legends, side-by-side with some of the most exciting new talent in the industry!

    1936506520?profile=RESIZE_180x180I'm delighted to see this delightful series wasn't derailed by the artist kerfuffle of a few months ago.

    RAT QUEENS, VOL 2: THE FAR REACHING TENTACLES OF N'RYGOTH (TPB)

    RATQUEENS_TP_02.jpg?width=250Publisher: IMAGE COMICS

    Story: KURTIS J. WIEBE

    Art / Cover: ROC UPCHURCH

    128 PAGES / FC / M+ / $14.99

    This booze-soaked second volume of RAT QUEENS reveals a growing menace within the very walls of Palisade. And while Dee may have run from her past, the bloated, blood-feasting sky god N’rygoth never really lets his children stray too far. Collects RAT QUEENS #6-10.

    1936506520?profile=RESIZE_180x180

    More awesome art -- if you can afford it!

    THE ROAD TO MARVEL’S AVENGERS: AGE OF ULTRON -- THE ART OF THE MARVEL CINEMATIC UNIVERSE HC SLIPCASE

    1936572381?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024Publisher: MARVEL COMICS

    240 PGS / All Ages / $49.99

    Trim size: landscape

    From alien invasions to the singularity: the road to Marvel’s Avengers: Age of Ultron! The whole world knows the Avengers now, but this special collection returns to the roots of Earth’s Mightiest and sets the path for new adventures! See how the Avengers went from a rag-tag team to a fighting force. Just in time for MARVEL’S AVENGERS: AGE OF ULTRON, this keepsake volume collects art, interviews, and photography from IRON MAN: ART OF THE MOVIE HC, IRON MAN: THE ART OF IRON MAN 2 HC, IRON MAN 3: THE ART OF THE MOVIE HC, CAPTAIN AMERICA: THE ART OF CAPTAIN AMERICA — THE FIRST AVENGER HC, CAPTAIN AMERICA: THE WINTER SOLDIER — ART OF THE MOVIE HC, THOR: THE ART OF THOR THE MOVIE HC, THOR: THE DARK WORLD — THE ART OF THE MOVIE HC, and AVENGERS: THE ART OF MARVEL’S AVENGERS HC.

    1936506520?profile=RESIZE_180x180Is Roche Limit going to be a series of miniseries? Seems that way.

    ROCHE LIMIT: CLANDESTINY #1

    fb99dcd0-2659-4a34-bd60-92c51122ba24.jpg?width=250Publisher: IMAGE COMICS

    Story By: MICHAEL MORECI

    Art By: KYLE CHARLES, VIC MALHOTRA

    Cover By: KYLE CHARLES

    Variant Cover By: VIC MALHOTRA

    MAY 6 / 32 PAGES / FC / T + / $3.50

    Bestselling writer Michael Moreci and artists Kyle Charles and Vic Malhotra team up with volume two of a groundbreaking sci-fi trilogy, ROCHE LIMIT: CLANDESTINY.

    In ROCHE LIMIT: CLANDESTINY #1, it's 75 years after the events that left the Roche Limit colony in flames. When a crew of military and science personnel are sent to the forgotten and desolate planet on a mysterious expedition, they quickly learn its dark secrets -- and that their mission is not what they thought it to be. With danger lurking all around, the crew members fight to find a way off the planet and resist the mysterious presence that haunts them all.   

    "The success of Roche Limit has been more than I could ever hope for, considering it's a pretty out-there book,” said Moreci. “What's exciting is this new volume pushes things further, introducing a whole new cast and story while maintaining the thematic core that readers have loved so far.”1936506520?profile=RESIZE_180x180

    1936708383?profile=RESIZE_180x1801936710507?profile=RESIZE_180x1801936710587?profile=RESIZE_180x1801936710732?profile=RESIZE_180x1801936712646?profile=RESIZE_180x1801936712788?profile=RESIZE_180x1801936714729?profile=RESIZE_180x1801936716791?profile=RESIZE_180x1801936506520?profile=RESIZE_180x180Here's another delightful series I'm glad will continue. "Charming" is the only word for it.

    ROCKET GIRL #6

    RocketGirl_06_cvr.jpg?width=250Publisher: IMAGE COMICS

    Story: BRANDON MONTCLARE

    Art / Cover: AMY REEDER

    SEPTEMBER 17 / 32 PAGES / FC / T / $3.50

    “SPLIT SECOND”

    Rocket Girl returns for a second time-travelling story arc!

    DaYoung Johansson was prepared to live a normal life -- as normal as 1986 New York City could ever be for a teenage cop from a high tech alternate reality 2014. But time traveling isn’t so simple: Changes made in both the future and past are now at war, and the present is stuck in the middle.

    Fan favorite writer Brandon Montclare (Halloween Eve) and Eisner Award nominated artist Amy Reeder (Batwoman, Madame Xanadu) return with the eagerly anticipated new story arc of the bestselling, time-traveling adventure series in ROCKET GIRL #6. With dayglo-vibrant artwork and kick-ass characters, ROCKET GIRL marries the suspense of Back to the Future with the witty dialog of Marissa Meyer’s The Lunar Chronicles as it blasts off into its next chapter.

    In ROCKET GIRL #6, time-traveling teen cop DaYoung Johannson thinks she's closed the case -- and destroyed her own world in the process. Now all she has to do is sit back in 1986 and watch the future unfold how it's "supposed" to ... but growing up ain't easy. Unknown to her, she's not the only person from the high-tech alternate 2014 stuck in the ‘80s. And with the keys to the future in their hands, Quintum Mechanics isn't content to simply let time take its course.

    “Readers will have to judge what gets more twisted: the temporal paradoxes, or the motivations of characters faced with impossible adventures,” said Montclare. “Plus you get all the fun stuff: amazing visuals split between an '80s NYC period piece and the high-flying future city, action, speed and one of the most unique casts of characters in comics. I'm thrilled the ‘80s adventures of DaYoung Johansson are back with #6 and a new Rocket Girl arc. The support from retailers and readers has been awesome -- I know they can't wait too!”

    "Rocket Girl has been the greatest creative experience of my career,” added Reeder. “I think it shows on the page, and I'm happy the reception to the first arc was so positive.  But you ain't seen nothing yet! The ‘Split Second’ arc is going to knock off some socks."

    "Clever premise, charming scenario, kickass girl hero, snappy script and luscious, expressive art. I need this. You need this. Everyone needs this.” -- Gail Simone

    “A time-travelling teen police force is the stuff my dreams are made of -- thank you for making them come true, Rocket Girl." -- Fiona Staples

    1a97f70c-a6cb-43a4-9f00-1c3dae2d2c26.jpg?width=15020b91600-f4b0-48eb-8f85-0851778f209b.jpg?width=1500e1558a3-56e7-4f43-849a-436756096ae2.jpg?width=150684f9aad-a688-4262-ab9b-8329f5dfdbbf.jpg?width=1503d75ccd0-0adc-42d1-9b6f-5839c1f8c2cc.jpg?width=1501936718881?profile=RESIZE_180x180

  • Well, here we go. (And if you don't recognize the second cover, that's what the packaging looked like for the action figures that gave rise to the first Secret Wars. I still have several of them, complete with "secret shields".)

    SECRET WARS #1 (of 8)

    1936674926?profile=RESIZE_320x3201936677092?profile=RESIZE_320x3201936679652?profile=RESIZE_320x320

    1936679747?profile=RESIZE_320x3201936681544?profile=RESIZE_320x3201936683503?profile=RESIZE_320x3201936685454?profile=RESIZE_320x3201936685535?profile=RESIZE_320x3201936685678?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024Publisher: MARVEL COMICS

    Written by JONATHAN HICKMAN

    Art by ESAD RIBIC

    Cover by ALEX ROSS

    Variant Cover by ESAD RIBIC

    Variant Cover by AMANDA CONNOR

    Variant Cover by Jim Cheung  

    Party Variant by CHIP ZDARSKY

    Connecting Variant by SIMONE BIANCHI

    Classic Variant by BUTCH GUICE

    Young Variant by SKOTTIE YOUNG

    Action Figure Variant by JOHN TYLER CHRISTOPHER

    Blank Variant Also Available

    On-Sale – 05/06/15

    40 PGS / Rated T+ / $4.99

    • THE FINAL INCURSION IS HAPPENING!

    • THE MARVEL UNIVERSE IS COLLIDING WITH THE ULTIMATE UNIVERSE!

    • AND NEITHER WILL SURVIVE!

    The release of SECRET WARS #1 is just around the corner! But before fans everywhere sink their teeth into the biggest comic event of the year, Marvel is proud to present your first look at the Secret Wars Battleboard! A brand-new promo item available at participating comic shops and retailers, the Battleboard will be released in conjunction with the highly anticipated SECRET WARS #1.

    A premium, foldout map printed on laminated cardstock, the Battleboard is your guide to the new patchwork planet of Secret Wars. From the untamed wilds the North to the festering wastes in the South – explore every corner of this strange new realm with this oversized, 13.25 x 20.375 map! The Battleboard also features cover images for every exciting Secret Wars title launching throughout May and June!

    In addition to the Secret Wars Battleboard, qualifying retailers will have access to exclusive launch party items including lithographs, special variant covers and more! Retailers are encouraged to inquire with your Diamond representative and check upcoming Marvel Mailers for more information.

    1936685821?profile=RESIZE_180x1801936687728?profile=RESIZE_180x180

    1936680057?profile=RESIZE_180x180

    Do we need a prelude when the old universe isn't going to mean anything any more?

    SECRET WARS PRELUDE (TPB)

    1936571310?profile=RESIZE_320x320Publisher: MARVEL COMICS

    Written by JONATHAN HICKMAN, JIM SHOOTER & BRIAN MICHAEL BENDIS

    Penciled by STEVE EPTING, MIKE ZECK, RYAN STEGMAN, SARA PICHELLI & ESAD RIBIC

    Cover by DALE KEOWN

    240 PGS / Rated T+ / $34.99

    Universes are colliding. The Marvel Universe as you know it is about to be destroyed. SECRET WARS #1 is just around the corner. But the path to 2015’s event to end all events can be found in the SECRET WARS PRELUDE TPB! Hitting stores the same day as SECRET WARS #1, this epic collection is the perfect chance to get caught up in time!

    An event 30 years in the making, relive important stories and signposts on the road to SECRET WARS #1! What does the senses-shattering conclusion to the original 1984 Secret Wars have to do with the Secret Wars of today? What secrets lie in the Illuminati’s discovery of the Incursions? What threats lie in a universe created by Doctor Doom? The Ultimates face a foe more powerful than the gods – and Reed Richards is its leader! But why? And what does Miles Morales, the Ultimate Spider-Man have to do with it all? It’s all been leading to this!

    “These primer TPBs have become hugely successful over the years for both retailers and readers,” says Marvel SVP Sales & Marketing David Gabriel. “A single volume of stories, these collections are the perfect way to catch up, see the building blocks of the event, and be ready to jump head first directly into the first issue! Carefully handpicked tales from Marvel’s SVP Executive Editor Tom Brevoort, this volume is chock full of the titanic tales you need to read, or reread, before the release of Secret Wars #1!”

    Collecting New Avengers (2013) #1-3, Secret Wars (1984) #10-12, Fantastic Four #611, Ultimate Comics Spider-Man (2011) #1 and Ultimate Comics Ultimates #4, relive again or for the very first time these important stories leading up to SECRET WARS #1!

    War is coming. Are you ready for it? Now you can be with the epic SECRET WARS PRELUDE TPB!

    1936680057?profile=RESIZE_180x180

    Just making sure that if you're collecting this series, you know this book is coming out.

    SMALLVILLE SEASON 11 VOL. 6: ALIEN (TPB)

    1801467903?profile=RESIZE_320x320Publisher: DC COMICS

    Written by BRYAN Q. MILLER

    Art by EDGAR SALAZAR and BENI LOBEL

    Cover by CAT STAGGS

    On sale MAY 6 • 176 pg, FC, $16.99 US

    A murder in Gotham City sends Martian Manhunter on a quest to confront his past, while Tess Mercer is faced with the ultimate question. Plus, John Constantine gets involved in Zatanna’s business and more. Collects Smallville Season 11 Special #3 and SMALLVILLE SEASON 11: ALIEN #1-4.

    1801420954?profile=RESIZE_180x180I have mentioned before that I have mixed feelings about stories set in the South. And that's because I have mixed feelings about the South. I've lived here all my life, but I've never felt more like a foreigner than I have in the last few years. Everything I think is wrong with the South -- institutionalized racism, gun fetishism, Civil War fixations, prideful ignorance, institutionalized poverty, knee-jerk ultra-patriotism -- is getting worse, not better.

    But that's just me. If you think those are all good things, come on down!

    SOUTHERN BASTARDS, VOL. 2: GRIDIRON (TPB)

    SouthernBastards_tp_02.jpg?width=250Publisher: IMAGE COMICS

    Story: JASON AARON

    Art / Cover: JASON LATOUR

    APRIL 15 / 128 PAGES / FC / M / $14.99

    The hit new crime series SOUTHERN BASTARDS returns for its second volume, as JASON AARON (Scalped, Thor, Star Wars) and JASON LATOUR (Spider-Gwen, Loose Ends) pull back the curtain on the dark and seedy history of Craw County and its most famous and feared resident, the high school football coach turned backwoods crime lord Euless Boss.

    Collects SOUTHERN BASTARDS #5-9.1801467472?profile=RESIZE_180x180I don't normally take note of extra printings, but "fifth" is a pretty big number. I'm curious to see what the aggregate sales figures will be.

    STAR WARS #1 (5TH PTG)

    1936689962?profile=RESIZE_320x320Publisher: MARVEL COMICS

    Written by JASON AARON

    Art & Cover by JOHN CASSADAY

    On-Sale – 05/06/15

    "This is a comic burdened with glorious purpose, arriving with pomp and circumstance…” - Entertainment Weekly

    "As writer Jason Aaron steers new series, [this] million-selling comic is a Force to be reckoned with" -- Washington Post1936680057?profile=RESIZE_180x180

    I don't recall these comics being all that awesome to start with -- after all, the first three or four were written and drawn before the movie came out -- so I'm not sure "remastered coloring" will do much good. But if you're a Star Wars fan and don't have these books, you probably want this collection.

    STAR WARS EPISODE IV: A NEW HOPE (OGN HC)

    1936690043?profile=RESIZE_320x320Publisher: MARVEL COMICS

    Written by ROY THOMAS

    Penciled by HOWARD CHAYKIN

    Cover by ADI GRANOV

    128 PGS / Rated T / $24.99

    Collecting STAR WARS (1977) #1-6.

    Trim size: oversized

    The original Marvel Comic adaptations of the iconic Star Wars trilogy return for new, oversized graphic novels with remastered coloring! It all starts as the first original comic adaptation of the greatest space-fantasy film of all time is reborn for the modern age as STAR WARS™: EPISODE IV  A NEW HOPE makes it’s triumphant return to comic shops!

    Weeks before George Lucas’ first STAR WARS film hit theatres, Marvel gave eager fans their very first look at Luke Skywalker, boldly asking “Will he save the galaxy, or destroy it?” Over 30 years later, you know the answer, but that doesn’t spoil the excitement of reliving this now classic adaptation like you’ve never seen it before – including scenes that never made it to the silver screen! Written by Roy Thomas with art by Howard Chaykin, this iconic story has been remastered for the modern age all-new coloring by Chris Sotomayor.

    “When Star Wars took the world by storm in 1977, Marvel Comics was right there with exciting comic adaptations and new stories set in a galaxy far, far away,” says Marvel SVP Sales & Marketing David Gabriel. “With new Star Wars comics being published by Marvel in 2015, we’re proud to look back on this exciting remastered adaptation of the original film, with remastered adaptations of The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi coming later in 2015.”

    Debuting in an oversized hardcover format with sophisticated packaging and a new cover by famed artist Adi Granov,  relive the original Marvel Comics adventure of Luke, Han, Leia, Chewbacca, C-3PO, R2-D2 and the villainous Darth Vader again – or for the very first time. It’s six against an entire galaxy – one that’s far, far away and a long time ago!

    May the Force be with you, and in the mighty Marvel manner this March when the remastered STAR WARS™: EPISODE IV  A NEW HOPE OGN HC comes to comic shops and bookstores in 2015!

    For more on Star Wars please visit marvel.com and join in the conversation on Twitter with #StarWars. To experience Star Wars online, visit StarWars.com or follow Star Wars on Facebook, Tumblr, Twitter, Instagram, Google+ or YouTube.

    Star Wars © Lucasfilm Ltd. & TM. All rights reserved. Used under authorization. Text and illustrations for Star Wars are © 2015 Lucasfilm Ltd.

    1936690203?profile=RESIZE_180x1801936692426?profile=RESIZE_180x1801936694471?profile=RESIZE_180x1801936696497?profile=RESIZE_180x1801936696637?profile=RESIZE_180x1801936698553?profile=RESIZE_320x3201936680057?profile=RESIZE_180x180

    I know I read this in HC, but don't remember it at all. (All together now: "That's a review in itself.")

    STIEG LARSSON’S THE GIRL WHO PLAYED WITH FIRE (TPB)

    1936577650?profile=RESIZE_320x320Publisher: DC COMICS

    Written by DENISE MINA

    Art by LEONARDO MANCO, ANDREA MUTTI and ANTONIO FUSO

    Cover by LEE BERMEJO

    On sale MAY 6 • 288 pg, FC, $19.99 US • MATURE READERS

    In this graphic novel adaptation of the second of Stieg Larsson’s international blockbuster thrillers, Mikael Blomkvist, publisher of the magazine Millennium, is preparing to run a story that will expose an extensive sex trafficking operation. But on the eve of its publication, the two reporters behind the article are murdered, and the fingerprints found on the murder weapon belong to his friend, the troubled hacker Lisbeth Salander. While Blomkvist tries to clear Salander’s name, Salander herself is drawn into a deadly game of cat and mouse that forces her to face her dark past.1936680057?profile=RESIZE_180x180

    I really enjoyed the TV series. The comics aren't quite as good, but still worth reading, I think.

    THE STRAIN VOLUME 5: THE NIGHT ETERNAL (TPB)

    1801503127?profile=RESIZE_320x320Publisher: DARK HORSE

    Writer: DAVID LAPHAM

    Art: MIKE HUDDLESTON

    Colors: DAN JACKSON

    Cover: E. M. GIST

    On sale May 6

    FC, 152 pages, $19.99

    TPB, 7″ x 10″

    It has been two years since the Master’s plan succeeded and a near apocalypse coated the world in eternal darkness. Now able to roam freely, the Master’s legion of vampires rule the world—a horrifying police state where humans are harvested for blood. As humanity despairs, Dr. Ephraim Goodweather and an unlikely team of heroes continue their fight against extinction, hoping to unlock the secret to the Master’s demise. Collects The Strain: The Night Eternal #1-6.

    “A must read for all.” -- Big Comic Page1801432593?profile=RESIZE_180x180strainne1p1.jpg?width=150strainne1p2.jpg?width=150strainne1p3.jpg?width=1501801432593?profile=RESIZE_180x180strainne1p4.jpg?width=150strainne1p5.jpg?width=150strainne1p6.jpg?width=1501801432593?profile=RESIZE_180x180Here's another book bumped from last week, where it was already a month late. It partly sets up the FCBD stuff, too. (The homage cover is to Superfly, of course.)

    SUPERMAN #40

    1801419377?profile=RESIZE_320x3201801419465?profile=RESIZE_320x3201801420954?profile=RESIZE_180x180Publisher: DC COMICS

    Written by JOHN ROMITA, JR.

    Art and cover by JOHN ROMITA, JR. and KLAUS JANSON

    MOVIE POSTER Variant cover by DAVE JOHNSON

    1:50 Variant cover by GARY FRANK

    1:100 Variant cover by JOHN ROMITA, JR. and KLAUS JANSON

    On sale MARCH 25 • 32 pg, FC, $3.99 US • RATED T

    Combo pack edition: $4.99

    Retailers: This issue will ship with five covers. Please see the order form for more information.

    The spotlight shines on John Romita, Jr. as he goes solo to tell the story of the testing of Superman’s new power against the Justice League! But the appearance of an unexpected enemy could end the Man of Steel’s life!

    This issue is also offered as a combo pack edition with a redemption code for a digital download of this issue.

    1801420954?profile=RESIZE_180x1801936700612?profile=RESIZE_180x1801936700722?profile=RESIZE_180x1801936702818?profile=RESIZE_180x1801936704729?profile=RESIZE_180x1801801420954?profile=RESIZE_180x180

  • I don't see how, given the credits, this can possibly be anything less than awesome.

    SWORDS OF SORROW #1 (of 6)

    1936681260?profile=RESIZE_320x3201936683206?profile=RESIZE_320x3201936683293?profile=RESIZE_320x3201936685672?profile=RESIZE_320x3201936685796?profile=RESIZE_320x3201936685907?profile=RESIZE_320x3201936687798?profile=RESIZE_320x3201936690024?profile=RESIZE_320x3201936622379?profile=RESIZE_180x180Publisher: DYNAMITE ENTERTAINMENT

    Writer: GAIL SIMONE

    Art: SERGIO DAVILA

    Cover A Main: J. SCOTT CAMPBELL

    Cover B Variant: JENNY FRISON

    Cover C Variant: EMANUELA LUPACCHINO

    Cover D Subscription: ROBERT HACK

    Retailer Incentive Variants: JOYCE CHIN, NEI RUFFINO, TULA LOTAY, CEDRIC PULAT, EMANUELA LUPACCHINO (B&W), J. SCOTT CAMPBELL ("Blood Red")

    Cover E Blank Authentix: N/A ($10.00)

    FC • 32 pages • $3.99 • Teen+

    DYNAMITE'S FIERCEST FEMALES IN THEIR BIGGEST EVENT EVER!

    Dynamite Entertainment is proud to announce the launch of Swords of Sorrow, the genre-spanning crossover event featuring an all-star line-up of female authors, headlined by Gail Simone (Batgirl, Birds of Prey).  Debuting with a core Swords of Sorrow series by Simone, the crossover continues throughout May with tie-in titles including the Swords of Sorrow: Vampirella/Jennifer Blood miniseries written by Nancy A. Collins (Vampirella, Swamp Thing); the Swords of Sorrow: Chaos special by Mairghread Scott (Transformers: Windblade); and the Swords of Sorrow: Masquerade/Kato special by G. Willow Wilson (Ms. Marvel) and Erica Schultz (M3). Subsequent months will debut related projects by additional female authors, including Leah Moore, Marguerite Bennett, Emma Beeby and Mikki Kendall. The crossover event brings together Dynamite's wide roster of female characters, including the iconic Red Sonja, Dejah Thoris (of the popular Edgar Rice Burroughs' Warlord of Mars franchise) and Vampirella.

    1936692007?profile=RESIZE_320x320Gail Simone, who has been planning the project since her involvement was announced in July, says, "Here's the thing: I love pulp adventure, always have. But as male-dominated as comics have often been, the pulp adventure world seems to be even more so.  Most of the big name stars and creators are dudes, and that's fine, it's great. But it hit me ... what if that wasn't the case? What if adventure pulps had also been written with female readers in mind, and awesome female characters in the spotlight? That's the scenario we are imagining, and it's just been a blast. The key players are Red Sonja, Vampirella and Dejah Thoris, but it's such an epic-spanning, world-hopping event that we also have Kato, Jungle Girl, Lady Rawhide, Jennifer Blood and so many more. It's the crossover I dreamed of when I was a kid, and now we get to make it happen."

    Simone's core Swords of Sorrow story serves as the starting point for a new universe of pulp adventure. Illustrated by Sergio Davila (Legenderry: A Steampunk Adventure), the series features the supernatural heroine Vampirella, Martian princess Dejah Thoris, crimson-tressed swordswoman Red Sonja, martial artist Kato (from filmmaker Kevin Smith's reboot of The Green Hornet), primal warrior Jungle Girl and many more. Drawn from a dozen worlds and eras to face off against a legendary evil that threatens their homelands, Dynamite's fiercest females must overcome their differences to harness the power of mystical blades -- the eponymous Swords of Sorrow -- in final conflict.

    Gail Simone also serves as the architect for all storylines tied into the event, providing direction to her personally selected team of writers. "We got the best writers around, gave them a fun combination of characters and just let them go wild," says Simone. "It's creators like G. Willow Wilson, Marguerite Bennett, Nancy A. Collins and more, with book titles like Vampirella vs. Jennifer Blood, Kato vs. Masquerade and Red Sonja vs. Jungle Girl. More about these tag teams will be coming soon, but it's just a ridiculous amount of fun to set these characters against each other, and I'm very proud of the astounding team of writers, who I hand-picked from among the very best of new female adventure writers. There's never been a crossover event in comics like this, ever."

    Nick Barrucci, CEO and Publisher of Dynamite, says, "The prospect of Gail Simone helming this historic event (and I really think "historic" is the applicable term, because we've never seen such a far-ranging cast of female icons before) would have been enough to make the Dynamite team ecstatic ten times over... but then Gail took it to the next level.  She proposed to make the event even bigger by creating a tapestry of interwoven stories, a work of art to which many of today's most revered female talents could contribute. What would have been a big event suddenly became a Grand Event, and we couldn't be more pleased with the incredible creators that she's brought together, working hand-in-hand with our editorial team to create some of the best comics of the summer."

    Several of the participating writers contributed their thoughts on the event:

    Nancy A. Collins, author of the Swords of Sorrow: Vampirella/Jennifer Blood miniseries (illustrated by Dave Acosta), says, "I'm having to play catch-up; I don't have a lot of experience with tie-ins and cross-over events, as the last one was the Children's Crusade crossover at Vertigo, back in the early 1990s -- but luckily, Gail Simone has been a great help in that regard. I think that the Swords of Sorrow event will give Dynamite's core fan-base what they want while helping to introduce new readers to all the wonderful characters the company has to offer." Regarding her miniseries, Collins adds, "Both Vampirella and Jennifer Blood touch on elements I've exploited in my prose novels, especially the Sonja Blue series, which is an urban fantasy with strong roots in crime noir and hardboiled pulp fiction."

    Mairghread Scott, author of the Swords of Sorrow: Chaos special (illustrated by Mirka Andolfo), says, "There are few times in your career where you get asked to write a book made entirely of villains (and one tortured anti-hero), and I got to do it for the intro issue to some of the biggest names in comics. I've pulled out all the stops on this one, trading in the morally gray antagonists of my Transformers work for some straight-up evil women. It's been a blast. Swords of Sorrow: Chaos buries you in some of the darkest minds in Dynamite's roster. These are the kind of ladies who are fond of how blood stains look on six-inch heels and they make no apologies for it."

    Erica Schultz, co-author alongside G. Willow Wilson on the Swords of Sorrow: Masquerade/Kato special (illustrated by Noah Salonga), says, "I love being a part of a crossover event, especially with these other amazing talents. Gail and Dynamite have put together a really great group of ladies to tell such a fantastical story. I know everyone is going to love it. Having worked on Revenge for Marvel, and my own series M3, I have a penchant for writing kick-ass ladies, and these stories fall right in line."

    Swords of Sorrow #1 features a variety of cover editions, including a Main cover by industry superstar J. Scott Campbell ( Danger Girl); variants by Jenny Frison, Emanuela Lupacchino; a subscription edition by Robert Hack available to fans placing preorders with their local retailers; and incentive editions by Joyce Chin, Tula Lotay, Nei Ruffino, Cedric Poulat.   Swords of Sorrow: Vampirella/Jennifer Blood #1 and the  Swords of Sorrow: Masquerade/Kato special both feature covers by Billy Tan, while the  Swords of Sorrow: Chaos special spotlights Joyce Chin.

    1936693961?profile=RESIZE_180x1801936695948?profile=RESIZE_180x1801936698135?profile=RESIZE_180x1801936700082?profile=RESIZE_180x1801936700186?profile=RESIZE_180x1801936702031?profile=RESIZE_180x180SWORDS OF SORROW: CHAOS! PREQUEL

    1936702247?profile=RESIZE_320x320Publisher: DYNAMITE ENTERTAINMENT

    Writer: MAIRGHREAD SCOTT

    Art: MIRKA ANDOLFO

    Cover: JOYCE CHIN

    FC • 32 pages • $3.99 • Teen+

    A team-up set up by SWORDS OF SORROW's Gail Simone, featuring the writer that she hand-picked: Mairghread Scott! Who are the villains behind the epic SWORDS OF SORROW event? Discover the darkest minds in Dynamite's roster, the kind of ladies who are fond of how bloodstains look on six-inch heels. To quote writer Mairghread Scott, "SWORDS OF SORROW is going to be a hell of a party, and CHAOS is your blood-soaked invitation. Take a ride with some of the deadliest women in the Dynamite universe as they prove the only thing you have to fear ... is them!

     

    1936622379?profile=RESIZE_180x1801936704124?profile=RESIZE_180x1801936707478?profile=RESIZE_180x1801936709877?profile=RESIZE_180x1801936712015?profile=RESIZE_180x1801936712121?profile=RESIZE_180x1801936713983?profile=RESIZE_180x180I'm not much of a Usagi Yojimbo fan, but I do love H.G. Wells' The War of the Worlds, so I'm halfway convinced to pick up this book.

    USAGI YOJIMBO: SENSO (HC)

    1801525632?profile=RESIZE_320x320Publisher: DARK HORSE

    Writer/Art/Cover: STAN SAKAI

    On sale May 6

    B&W, 168 pages, $19.99

    HC, 6″ x 9″

    Who lives, who dies?

    Twenty years in his future, Miyamoto Usagi faces a menace from Mars! It will take all the considerable fortitude, ingenuity, and heroism that Usagi and his loved ones can muster to combat the fearsome extraterrestrial war machines and halt the alien invasion. In the end, not everyone will survive to tell the tale. Collects issues #1–#6 of the miniseries.

    Includes bonus art and behind-the-scenes extras!  

    Usagi Yojimbo: Senso is rip roaring fun.” -- cxPulp1801432593?profile=RESIZE_180x180uysenso1p1.jpg?width=150uysenso1p2.jpg?width=150uysenso1p3.jpg?width=1501801432593?profile=RESIZE_180x180uysenso1p4.jpg?width=150uysenso1p5.jpg?width=150uysenso1p6.jpg?width=1501801432593?profile=RESIZE_180x180If you don't know much about the Valiant books but are curious, here's a place to start.

    VALIANT UNIVERSE HANDBOOK: 2015 EDITION #1

    1801429842?profile=RESIZE_320x3201801432562?profile=RESIZE_320x320Publisher: VALIANT COMICS

    Written by VARIOUS

    Art by VARIOUS

    Cover by BUTCH GUICE

    25th Anniversary Variant by RAFA SANDOVAL

    $2.99 | 40 pages | T+ | On sale MAY 6

    The epic origins! The fearless first adventures! The ever-shifting allies and allegiances! In honor of Valiant’s 25th anniversary, get everything you need to know about the most formidable heroes and villains that the Valiant Universe has to offer right here with an all-new 40-page handbook for just $2.99!

    From Animalia to Zephyr, get an essential briefing on Valiant’s most important players with a highly detailed and thoroughly updated breakdown of the monumental characters that will be making the Valiant Universe tick in 2015 and beyond! Featuring artwork from an all-star cast of Valiant superstars – Doug Braithwaite, Clayton Crain, Trevor Hairsine Clayton Henry, Bryan Hitch, Cary Nord, and many, many more – discover everything you need to know to jump into the world of Valiant’s award-winning series right here! Plus: start at the beginning and find out what you might have missed with a brand new guide to Valiant’s trade paperback collections! It all starts here in the VALIANT UNIVERSE HANDBOOK!

    1936715987?profile=RESIZE_180x1801936716194?profile=RESIZE_180x1801936718288?profile=RESIZE_180x1801936718476?profile=RESIZE_180x1801936718836?profile=RESIZE_180x1801936720783?profile=RESIZE_180x1801936723010?profile=RESIZE_180x1801936724883?profile=RESIZE_180x180

    1801420954?profile=RESIZE_180x180If anything can make me nostalgic for the '70s, it's Lynda Carter.

    WONDER WOMAN ’77 SPECIAL #1

    1801438598?profile=RESIZE_320x320Publisher: DC COMICS

    Written by MARC ANDREYKO

    Art by DREW JOHNSON and MATT HALEY

    Cover by NICOLA SCOTT

    1:25 Variant cover by PHIL JIMENEZ

    One-shot • On sale APRIL 29 • 80 pg, FC, $7.99 US • RATED E • DIGITAL FIRST

    Retailers: This issue will ship with two covers. Please see the order form for more information.

    Don’t miss this digital-first special based on the classic TV series starring Lynda Carter! Travel back to the sizzling ’70s as the undercover Amazon Princess joins forces with special agent Steve Trevor to defend America against Cold War-era criminals. A search for an escaped Soviet scientist brings Wonder Woman to the hottest disco of the day, Studio 52. A live stage act might prove more of a threat to Wonder Woman than the Russian Roller Derby girls out to bring the scientist home.

    1936726590?profile=RESIZE_180x180

    I don't actually read this book, but I'm delighted there's a market for it.

    ZOMBIE TRAMP: SLEAZY RIDER (TPB)

    1801418879?profile=RESIZE_320x320Writers: JASON MARTIN, DAN MENDOZA

    Art: DENNIS BUDD, ANNA LENCIONI, WINSTON YOUNG

    Cover: TMCHU

    128 pgs / Mature Readers / FC / $14.99

    Zombie Tramp hits the open road, encountering all manner of oddities throughout the Southwest. From werewolf truckers, to “illegal” fight clubs, to lethal fast food chains. It’s enough to make her deadly detour to Detroit seem downright dreamy! Join a lineup of amazing new artists bringing the fan-favorite street walking dead’s latest open road adventures to life!

    Collects the second story arc of the wildly popular ongoing series.1936726590?profile=RESIZE_180x1801936726838?profile=RESIZE_180x1801936728858?profile=RESIZE_180x1801936731108?profile=RESIZE_180x1801936731311?profile=RESIZE_180x1801936731416?profile=RESIZE_180x180

  • Weird -- Superman, Justice League, and Batman came out last week around here. 

    I've read some of Concrete Park -- the portion that was printed in Dark Horse Presents -- and it was really solid, intriguing sci-fi. It was hampered a bit by the pacing of DHP, but I enjoyed what I saw; I'm hoping to get around to picking up the trades.

    And thanks for the reminder -- I need to dig out my old issues of Empire so I can start catching up with the new series!

  • I had a feeling that was the case, since DC sent me review copies a week ago today (4/28). But Previews maintains they're shipping on 5/6, so what's a poor boy to do? *Sob!*

  • Jupiter's Circle is a prequel to Jupiter's Children, BTW.

  • I'm mixed on the whole variant cover thing. There's so many for Secret Wars. I have been buying the occasional variant recently because i like the cover but really there's nothing different about the comic other than a cool new cover. I will probably pick up a few of the Secret Wars variants. I do like the action figure variants. I didn't know until recently that there were actual Secret Wars action figures of course I was 2 or 3 at the time when they were out.

    As far as Secret Wars I'm looking forward to it. It looks like it could be a fun time regardless of the outcome.
  • Yes, there were Secret Wars action figures! I don't know this for a fact, but it's my understanding that the series was green-lighted in support of the action figures, not the other way around. But I might be thinking of the Super Powers line.

    Anyway, they weren't very good. And all characters, not just Captain America, had a "Secret Shield" with, I think, a couple of cardboard hologram inserts. It's been a while since I looked at one, but they were pretty cheesy.

    The new covers mimic the "trade dress" of the action figures perfectly.

  • Jeff said:

    Jupiter's Circle is a prequel to Jupiter's Children, BTW.

    I hate to pick that nit, but it is the prequel to Jupiter's Legacy. By the way shouldn't he finish Legacy before starting up the prequel?

    I actually had a couple of the Secret Wars action figures. The only one I really remember was the Wolverine one. In which you had to attach the claws on yourself over the wrists. I loved it at the time. Now that I think about it, surely they could have done something similar to what they did with Darth Vader and Obi-Wan in the Star Wars series.

    I think it was Super Powers that had the action figures first and then the comic book series. I do know that DC had Jack Kirby redesign some of the costumes on the characters to get him a little bit more money.

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